Voters of Tomorrow, a youth advocacy group founded in 2019, has endorsed three progressive Black Democratic nominees — Angie Nixon (FL Senate), Justin J. Pearson (TN-9) and Donavan McKinney (MI-13) — ahead of Election Day. The organization says it has committed about $1 million to turnout efforts, made roughly 250,000 direct youth contacts and helped thousands with registration. Leaders say nearly 50 million Gen Z voters will be eligible in 2026 and that young people are energized around affordability, voting rights and anti-corruption priorities.
Major Youth Group Backs Three Progressive Black Candidates as Gen Z Momentum Grows
(Photo: Getty Images)
Voters of Tomorrow, one of the nation's largest youth political advocacy organizations, has announced endorsements for three progressive Black Democratic nominees in the final weeks before Election Day.
Founded in 2019, the group has formally backed Angie Nixon (Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Florida), Justin J. Pearson (Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District) and Donavan McKinney (Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District).
Why the Endorsements Matter
Santiago Mayer, founder and executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, said the slate reflects candidates who will fight for working-class families and young Americans. In a statement to theGrio, Mayer emphasized the organizers' goal to challenge wealthy corporate interests and energize young voters to reshape the balance of power.
'Young voters are excited to turn out in droves to finally elect these candidates who share their values. That momentum is what's going to enable us to take back our government and make sure that it works for all people,' Mayer said.
Organizing, Outreach and Numbers
The organization reports a roughly $1 million commitment to turnout efforts this cycle, focused on swing states and young voters. Voters of Tomorrow says it has made about 250,000 direct contacts with young people and helped thousands pre-register, register or check their registration status.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 21: State Representative Justin Pearson shouts while marching with other gun reform activists as they make their way to the Tennessee State Capitol ahead of a special session on August 21, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
'Nearly 50 million members of Gen Z are eligible to vote in 2026. Right now we have the numbers, we have the energy, and we have a generation that has shown again and again that we are willing to fight for the future we believe in,' said Kaya Jones, senior director of programming at Voters of Tomorrow.
Candidates and Campaign Themes
Justin Pearson, a 32-year-old Tennessee state representative, said he is grateful for the endorsement and pledged to work with young voters on priorities like higher wages, lower costs and broader access to health care. Pearson recently took part in the group's summer summit, which trained young organizers and discussed strategies to defend voting rights and democracy.
Donavan McKinney, 34, framed his campaign as a generational fight and highlighted policy goals including 'healthcare for all,' passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and measures to reduce the influence of big money in politics.
Angie Nixon has seen her national profile grow amid criticism from conservative opponents. She says Floridians deserve a senator focused on lowering costs, fighting corruption and delivering results for working people — a message aimed at younger voters concerned about affordability and opportunity.
Voting Access and Concerns
Democrats and voting-rights advocates warn that recent state-level proposals — from stricter ID and registration requirements to redistricting efforts that dilute communities of color — could disproportionately affect young voters, Black and brown voters, women and people with disabilities. Voters of Tomorrow and allied groups say their outreach work aims to counteract those barriers.
'Voting is a right that generations before us fought to secure, and exercising that right allows us to carry on their legacy,' Kaya Jones said. 'If our votes weren't so powerful, they wouldn't be trying so hard to keep us from the ballot box.'
The endorsements come as progressive candidates across the country focus on affordability, healthcare, voting rights and anti-corruption messages to connect with younger voters concerned about economic pressures and democratic access.
Help us improve.
